Melon Barb

Haludaria fasciata

Also known as Red Panda Barb

FreshwaterFish

Melon Barb (Haludaria fasciata) — Haplochromis · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 2.8 in (7 cm)
Minimum tank: 40 gal (150 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: India
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Melon barbs are peaceful, colorful shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least six to eight, which keeps them settled and encourages the males to show their best color. They swim mostly in the middle water and mix well in a community with other calm, similarly sized fish, though a small, under grouped bunch can turn to nipping fins. Feed them a varied diet of flake, small pellets, frozen foods, and some vegetable matter or algae. A dark substrate and gentle lighting deepen their red tones. A tank around 150 liters or larger suits a good group.

In the wild

This barb comes from the streams and rivers of the Western Ghats in southwestern India, including shaded, forested waters that run clear and soft. It does well in warm water of about 22–26 C and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Recreate that with a dark substrate, driftwood and leaf litter, and areas of planting broken by open swimming space. Slightly soft, tea stained water under subdued lighting brings out the melon red flush that gives the fish its name.

Good to know

Haludaria fasciata is a member of the family Cyprinidae that reaches around 7 cm. It was long known as Puntius fasciatus before being moved into the genus Haludaria. Breeding males take on a warm melon to orange red body crossed by several dark vertical bars, while females stay plainer. It is an egg scattering, non guarding spawner that eats its own eggs, and it can be bred in a dedicated tank with moderate effort.

Did you know

The melon barb is also sold as the red panda barb, both names pointing to the warm, melon like orange red that males flush with when they are in breeding condition. The species name fasciata refers to the bold dark bands that cross that colorful body.